One of the organisations doing
good work is the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (NGZ)
(Pretoria Zoo). They are currently
developing “Species specific genetic
microsatellite markers” which is
used to document different gene
pools in different areas. Ultimately
what this aims to achieve is to pin
point a lizards’ origin by its genetic
markers. When Sungazers are
found being smuggled for the black
market, they can work out roughly
which area they originate from and
monitor those areas closely to stop
further poaching activity.
NZG is a founder member of the
Sungazer Working Group, which
was established by the Endangered
Wildlife Trust, Nature Conservation,
Universities, Government Institutions and various Zoological Associations. National Zoological Gardens
of South Africa’s Chris de Beer is
the keeper of the Sungazer Stud
Book, and has the task of listing all
captive specimens in South Africa.
Along with the genetic microsatellite markers project, all Sungazers in
captivity can be recorded and
matched with specimens with similar genetic markers to potentially
breed for release into the correct
gene pool areas.
Today, many farmers are very proud
to have Sungazers around their
farmlands and purposely leave vast
strips of untouched grassland between their crops to accommodate
these special creatures.
What can we do to help?
VOTE FOR SUNGAZERS TO BE
OUR NATIONAL LIZARD!
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petiti
on/Department_of_Arts_and_Cul
ture_Make_Sungazers_South_Afr
icas_national_lizard/?tsZIFhb
Report suspicious activity to any
of the organisations listed below
(smuggling, poaching etc.)
If you are in a Sungazer inhabited area, highlight the importance of their preservation to
children, locals and labourers
Ensure all farmland owners are
familiar with the legislation and
regulations concerning Sungazers
Ensure the correct environmental impact studies are carried out
when construction and clearing
activities are underway.
Organisations doing good work
with Sungazers
Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)
National Zoological Gardens
(NZG)
Sungazer Working Group
Save Our Sungazers (SOS)
Project Sungazer
A special thanks to Chris de Beer
(NZG) for your help and information.